Peter McGrail on his career highlight so far, toughest opponent and more

Peter McGrail

When and why you started boxing:
I just went along with my friends. We all played for a footie team and five us went to Everton Red Triangle and went from there. I lost my first three fights, won 19 after that and thatโ€™s when I won my first national title and won my first Three Nations gold medal. I was only 11 but my coaches knew if I stuck at it I was going to be good.

Favourite all-time fighter:
Itโ€™s Manny Pacquiao. Iโ€™m a southpaw and Iโ€™ve been fast on my feet, in and out, side to side, and Iโ€™ve always watched Pacquiao. Heโ€™s one of the best ever really.

Best fight youโ€™ve seen:
I like to watch Gatti-Ward.

Personal career highlight:
Probably when I won the European gold medal in Ukraine. I was the first ever Scouser to do it, and thereโ€™s been very good boxers to come out of the city, and also beating the Ukrainian in a stadium full of Ukrainians. Also the ref took a point off me, when I feel I didnโ€™t deserve to get a point took off me. It was good, it was a belter.

Toughest opponent:
Robeisy Ramirez, the Cuban. When I boxed him I was young, he was Olympic champion at the time.

Best and worst attributes as a boxer:
My best is probably my footwork, movement, Iโ€™m very hard to hit. My worst, maybe I like to work a bit too much. Sometimes Iโ€™m a bit too eager to land a shot.

Training tip:
Just listen to your coach.

Favourite meal/restaurant:
Just a Chinese, salt and pepper chicken.

Best friends in boxing:
All the lads at Everton Red Triangle. My brotherโ€™s just turned pro. My little brother Joe McGrail heโ€™s having his debut as well [on the same December 11 show in Liverpool that Peter will box on]. Itโ€™ll be a good night as a family.

Last film/TV show you saw:
Red Notice. It was alright.

Have you ever been starstruck:
Iโ€™ve never met Pacquiao, Mayweather, Lomachenko. I would say I haven’t. Maybe when I meet Pacquiao.

Last time you cried:
Probably when I lost in the Olympics. I was gutted, Iโ€™m used to being in a tournament towards the end. At the back of my mind it was exciting as well because I knew what was coming, turning over, being back in Everton Red Triangle full time, my new journey.

Best advice received:
When people have said to me when you work hard, the rewards come. Itโ€™s true.

Worst rumour about yourself:
I donโ€™t think anyoneโ€™s put any rumours out about me, I think Iโ€™m a likeable person.

Something not many people know about you:
Not really. Everyone knows Iโ€™m a Scouser, I support Everton, Iโ€™m from Everton Red Triangle, thatโ€™s all there is.

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